It’s Complicated

Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • March 22, 2026

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1. It’s complicated; life doesn’t always make sense.

For I was envious of the arrogant As I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Psalm 73:3 (NASB95)

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”

Matthew 6:33

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 (CSB)

2. It’s complicated; so be self-aware.

as it is written: There is no one righteous, not even one.

Romans 3:10 (CSB)

The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

Romans 3:22–23 (CSB)

3. It’s complicated; so we need God’s wisdom.

For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the power of God to us who are being saved. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will set aside the intelligence of the intelligent. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish?

1 Corinthians 1:18–20 (CSB)

The Search for Satisfaction

Ecclesiastes 6:1–12

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • March 8, 2026

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1. THE SEARCH FOR SATISFACTION IS FRUSTRATING

Don’t let your heart envy sinners; instead, always fear the LORD.

Proverbs 23:17 (CSB)

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalm 127:3 (NASB95)

2. THE SATISFACTION SOLUTION

• Be Thankful.

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB95)

• Be Content.

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11–13 (CSB)

Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.”

John 4:13–14 (CSB)

The Money Mirage

Ecclesiastes 5

Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • March 1, 2026

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For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.

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1. THE ROOT PROBLEM: MISORDERED WORSHIP

“Do not come closer,” he said. “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”

Exodus 3:5 (CSB)

2. MONEY MYTHS

a. MORE MONEY WILL SATISFY ME

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:10 (CSB)

“No one can serve two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Matthew 6:24 (CSB)

He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15 (CSB)

REALITY CHECK: Money will never satisfy my deepest needs.

b. MORE MONEY WILL SOLVE MY PROBLEMS

The poor is hated even by his neighbor, But those who love the rich are many.

Proverbs 14:20 (NASB95)

REALITY CHECK: Money usually complicates matters.

c. MORE MONEY WILL GIVE ME PEACE OF MIND

“Therefore I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Matthew 6:25 (CSB)

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:33–34 (CSB)

REALITY CHECK: More money means more to worry about.

d. MORE MONEY WILL SECURE ME

And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’

Luke 12:19–20 (NLT)

REALITY CHECK: My only real security is God.

3. THE TURN: MONEY IS A GIFT, NOT GOD

Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.

1 Timothy 6:17 (CSB)